Autotrader launches summer app update to bring more of the car-buying journey into one app
Autotrader, the UK’s largest automotive platform, is rolling out a major summer update to its app, introducing a suite of enhanced features designed to make it simpler for consumers to search, compare and take the next step towards finding their ideal car in one place.
The new app experience brings together a series of connected enhancements across search, browsing and reservations, designed to help buyers move more easily from discovery through to action. Powered by Autotrader’s technology and market data, the update helps car buyers browse the market, understand value and take the next step towards their ideal car with greater confidence. For retailers, that means more opportunities to keep stock visible to active buyers as they progress through the purchase journey, from search and comparison through to reservation.
It builds on Autotrader’s record app engagement in May, when its apps reached an all-time high of 3.7 million monthly active users, and downloads and reinstalls grew 10% year-on-year to mark seven consecutive months of growth. Following this record-breaking month, sustained engagement has continued, with the platform recording a further 2.2% year-on-year increase in monthly active users in June, underlining the sheer scale of the active audience available to retailers.
A more connected journey from search to reservation
AI-powered search categories help car buyers browse through lifestyle-led filters that reflect not only the type of car they want, but also the life stage or need they are buying for. Categories such as ‘Cheaper insurance’, ‘Cheaper to run’, ‘First cars’, ‘Luxury cars’ and ‘OMG’ are designed to guide consumers towards relevant options more quickly, whether they have recently passed their test, grown their family or are looking for something more distinctive.
Online reservations are now available on more than 200,000 vehicles across the Autotrader app, enabling consumers to browse, compare and register their interest as serious buyers. With just a few taps, buyers can let a seller know they would like to reserve a car, with the seller then confirming availability and the next steps.
The update also includes enhancements to the information and guidance available throughout the buying journey, helping people make decisions with greater confidence.
Together, the features create a more connected app experience that supports buyers from discovery to reservation, reducing the need to move between different apps and sites and giving them more control throughout their journey. For retailers, Autotrader’s continued investment in technology-led app improvements helps keep buyers engaged on its platform throughout the purchase journey, creating more opportunities for retailers to connect with active, high-intent consumers.
Autotrader has always used its technology, data and scale to make car buying feel simpler, more transparent and more connected. Our app is already used by millions of people every month, but we’re continually looking at where we can remove friction and make the experience even better. This summer app update helps people find cars that suit their lifestyle, gives them more confidence when comparing cars, and makes it easier to take the next step. For our retailer partners, that means their stock is consistently positioned in front of a trusted, highly engaged audience of serious buyers throughout the purchase journey.
Notes to editors: Autotrader’s apps recorded 3.7 million monthly active users in May 2026. Downloads and reinstalls exceeded 280,000 in May, up 10% year-on-year. Autotrader’s app audience averages around three million monthly active users, around six times larger than its closest competitor.
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